Mpox on the rise across the country, one case identified in KZN
There has been a surge in Mpox cases with 18 active cases in the country and one case being traced back to KZN.
THE Department of Health is calling on citizens to remain vigilant as Mpox cases continue to rise within the country, with one person identified with the disease in KZN.
Also read: KZN ready for possible monkeypox outbreak, says Health MEC
There are 18 active cases of Mpox, with one case being probed. All patients range between 23 and 50 years and 18 of them are men while one is female.
The latest case
The most recent case of the virus was from a person who traveled to Spain and returned to South Africa on September 14.
“Mpox cases may present in any person who was in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus in the last few days (up to 21 days) and will present by displaying similar symptoms,” said the department in a statement.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection that can cause painful rashes, fever, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. The virus is caused by the Monkeyvirus and is from the same family as smallpox.
Symptoms and signs
The department of health warns that the symptoms usually appear within 6 to 13 days after exposure but can range from 5 to 21 days. Common symptoms include:
- Rash
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Low energy
- Swollen lymph nodes.
“Typically, the skin lesions start as flat red spots before progressing to bumps, followed by fluid-filled blisters, then pus-filled bumps and eruptions into crusted scabs,” said the department.
Transmission
Mpox is a viral infection and is transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person. The World Health Organisation (Who) said that close contact, which includes skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact with someone who has Mpox, can put you at risk.
The virus is also transmittable through contaminated clothing and linen, and by being bitten by an infected animal. If you are pregnant, it can be passed on to the baby.
Vigilance is key
The Department of Health is encouraging citizens to wash and sanitise their hands frequently as a precautionary measure. They have, through the support of Who, managed to secure a few vaccines that will be used at their discretion to ultimately stop the transmission of the virus.
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